BUSINESS NEWS
AVIATION
CONTEXT
As an island nation, air transport is crucial for socio-economic development and serves as the backbone of the tourism sector, as well as the policies designed to enhance São Tomé and Príncipe's competitiveness in the global market. Recognizing the significance of these factors, the government has engaged in collaboration with international partners on initiatives aimed at upgrading airport infrastructure. These efforts are intended to address aviation challenges, increase passenger traffic, and provide travelers with aviation services that are more affordable and diverse. Consequently, this will contribute to the overall improvement of the business climate.
SOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Find below some business ideas to help you unlock your vision and explore untapped potential.
Airlines
Telemedicine has the potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions, by leveraging digital health technologies. Individuals now enjoy improved access to medical services within their vicinity. The healthcare system in São Tomé and Príncipe is characterized by its fragility, featuring a central hospital that frequently faces overcrowding and struggles to meet the diverse needs of patients. Additionally, various health posts across districts are inadequately equipped to provide comprehensive care. The limited availability of private clinics compounds the issue, as their services are often prohibitively expensive for lower-income individuals, further exacerbated by the high cost of medications. Currently, there exists no dedicated telemedicine clinic or any healthcare facility that utilizes remote health technology in the country. This represents a significant opportunity for revenue generation and enhancement of the health system. Given the ongoing project to expand internet access nationwide to potentially cover over 90% of the population, a well-designed business model aimed at addressing this need by offering a comprehensive remote healthcare solutions, improvinge accessibility, could prove to be both viable and successful.
Helicopter For Rental
Helicopters present a considerable advantage over other modes of transportation due to their versatility, with the capability to take off and land in locations that do not require extensive infrastructure. This characteristic renders them essential for various applications, including search and rescue operations, sightseeing tours, and accessing offshore platforms, among others. The hydrocarbon potential of São Tomé and Príncipe is widely acknowledged, with several companies positioning themselves to acquire and exploit these valuable resources within the nation’s territorial waters. This development is anticipated to enhance offshore helicopter operations. Moreover, the expanding tourism sector is contributing to an increased demand for service diversification. These factors, in conjunction with the potential for partnerships with the government for patrol and search operations, indicate that the helicopter aviation market in the country holds significant promise.
Regional Air Cargo
São Tomé and Príncipe, as indicated by its name, comprises two islands, necessitating consistent communication and transportation of both people and goods between them. Currently, approximately 97% of goods are conveyed by maritime means, while smaller packages are managed by companies that primarily focus on passenger transportation. The introduction of a dedicated airline for the transport of both commercial and non-commercial items between the islands, as well as between the islands and the sub-region, could significantly reduce delivery times from 30 hours via sea to just 45 minutes by air. This development would effectively address the regional demand for timely delivery of goods. It is imperative, however, that a feasibility study be conducted prior to implementation in order to thoroughly assess the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with this business model.
